Dancing On Ice star Gareth Thomas develops foot injury

Gareth Thomas has been forced to hang up his skates after his foot swelled up like the "elephant man" while rehearsing for 'Dancing On Ice'

'Dancing On Ice' star Gareth Thomas has developed a serious foot infection.

The former rugby player's chances of winning the ITV skating competition might have been scuppered after his foot swelled to twice its size following a gruelling training session, and he has been ordered by doctors to hang up his skates for the time being.

A source told The Sun newspaper last night (31.01.13): "Gareth woke up this morning and his foot was terribly swollen. He went to rehearsals but the coaches ordered him straight off the ice.

"He was taken to a doctor, who diagnosed him with an infection - caused by spending so much time in skates - and prescribed him antibiotics.

"He didn't rehearse today and has been told to come back to the rink tomorrow, when medics will decide whether or not he is fit to skate."

Gareth is unlikely to be well enough to appear on Sunday's live show (01.02.13) and his crippling pain will "certainly" influence his performance if he does, so the star is bracing himself for harsh comments from judges Jason Gardiner, Ashley Roberts, Robin Cousins and Karen Barber.

The worried friend added: "We are hoping it will not stop him from appearing on the show at the weekend, but it all depends on how well the infection heals over the next few days.

"If he does manage to make it onto the ice it will certainly be very painful for him, so it will almost certainly impact on his performance."

The Welsh icon has been given a course of antibiotics to help the swelling go down, which he said made him look like the "elephant man".

Unhappy Gareth tweeted: "Morning all. Got a foot like the elephant man this morning!! Super swollen !! Getting ready for two hours of pain in a skating boot!! ;("